'Europe needs to be less dependent on China' says Netherlands' Defence Minister

2 days, 18 hours ago

Trump has U.S. Indo-Pacific allies guessing on trade and security

NPR

Trump has U.S. Indo-Pacific allies guessing on trade and security toggle caption Handout by South Korean Defense Ministry/Getty Images As he did with NATO members in Europe, President Trump is undermining trust with key allies on the other side of the globe. "There is a profound sense of anxiety and I think a sense of urgency countries like Japan, Australia, …

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3 days, 18 hours ago

Europe working on plan to replace US in NATO in five to 10 years: Report

Al Jazeera

NATO members seek to avoid possible chaos should the US declare its withdrawal from the transatlantic military bloc. Europe’s biggest military powers are drawing up plans to take on greater responsibilities for the continent’s defence from the United States, including a pitch to the administration of President Donald Trump, for a managed transfer over the next five to 10 years, …

Europe Trump Report European Nato

4 days, 4 hours ago

EU presses on with steel ‘porcupine strategy’ for Ukraine as Russia tries to end Western support

Associated Press

BRUSSELS — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s key peace demand that Western allies stop providing military aid and intelligence to Ukraine is quietly being ignored by the European Union. As U.S.-led talks with Russia and Ukraine progress, without the Europeans at the table, the 27-nation bloc is pressing ahead with a steel “porcupine strategy” aimed at building the Ukrainian armed forces, …

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4 days, 18 hours ago

Stronger Europe more essential than ever, DNB says as trade war intensifies

NL Times

The need for a stronger Europe is greater than ever due to the threat of a global trade war and unrest in the world, president Klaas Knot of De Nederlandsche Bank said during the presentation of the central bank’s annual report on Thursday. The DNB suffered a loss of over 3 billion euros for the second year in a row …

Europe Defense Dutch Loss Bank Interest Billion

4 days, 18 hours ago

Amid tensions with US, Canada looks to EU for stronger defence ties: Report

India Today

Canada is in discussions with the European Union to join an EU drive to break its security dependency on the United States, with a focus on buying more defence equipment, including fighter jets, in Europe, a senior Canadian government official confirmed Wednesday. In Canada, where US President Donald Trump has launched a trade war and has threatened economic coercion to …

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5 days, 4 hours ago

The EU wants to break its security dependency on the US and buy more European weapons

Associated Press

BRUSSELS — The European Union on Wednesday announced a new drive to break its security dependency on the United States, with a focus on buying more defense equipment in Europe. AP AUDIO: The EU wants to break its security dependency on the US and buy more European weapons AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports the EU is announcing a new …

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India asks Netherlands not to supply arms to Pak: Officials

Hindustan Times

India on Tuesday asked the Netherlands not to equip the Pakistani military with weapons and systems or share advanced technologies with that country as India has been battling Pakistan- Singh told the visiting minister that arming Pakistan was detrimental to regional security and countries friendly to India must not support a known sponsor of terrorism, the people said, asking not …

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6 days, 4 hours ago

Rajnath Singh asks Netherlands not to supply arms to terror sponsor Pakistan

Hindustan Times

NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday asked the Netherlands not to equip the Pakistani military with weapons and systems or share advanced technologies with that country as India has been battling Pakistan- Singh told the visiting minister that arming Pakistan was detrimental to regional security and countries friendly to India must not support a known sponsor of terrorism, the people said, …

India Pakistan Defence Netherlands Singh Rajnath Singh Terror

1 week, 2 days ago

The Trump of unintended consequences

New Indian Express

In France, Emmanuel Macron, who has had a disastrous year as president, was given his highest approval rating since June 2023. A Gallup-CNN poll says 54 percent Americans disapprove his handling of the presidency, 15 points higher than the historic average for presidents in the first 100 days. A Quinnipiac survey states 76 percent are worried about the state of …

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1 week, 2 days ago

Netherlands reaffirms support for Ukraine amid international coalition talks

NL Times

The Netherlands has reaffirmed its commitment to providing ongoing military and financial support to Ukraine as part of an international coalition of allied nations. Prime Minister Dick Schoof stated that there is "broad consensus" among coalition members on the necessity of maintaining pressure on Russia while exploring diplomatic solutions to the war. Following the meeting, Schoof emphasized that the Netherlands …

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Netherlands to remain involved in European defense plan, Schoof says

Trending News

1 week, 2 days ago

Netherlands to remain involved in European defense plan, Schoof says

NL Times

The Netherlands will continue participating in discussions on the European defense and rearmament plan ReArm, Prime Minister Dick Schoof said at his weekly press conference. The Dutch government is generally supportive of the European Commission’s plans to strengthen European defense but remains critical of financial risks and potential threats to economic stability. "The Netherlands is part of the EU; we …

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1 week, 4 days ago

Britain 'is on the brink of becoming a "second-tier" European nation like Spain due to economic decline and a weak military that makes us no use to our allies'

Daily Mail

Britain is on course to becoming a 'second tier' European nation like Spain or Italy due to economic decline and a weak military that undermines its usefulness to allies, an expert has warned. People pass boarded up shops on March 20, 2024 in Hastings, England A British soldier reloads his rifle on February 17, 2025 in Smardan, Romania Staff Sergeant …

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1 week, 5 days ago

Support for expanding Dutch defense industry grows amid rising global tensions

NL Times

A growing number of Dutch citizens favor increased defense spending and expanded military infrastructure within the country, according to a new poll. The survey, conducted by Hart van Nederland among 2,081 respondents, found that 62 percent now support raising military expenditures beyond the NATO benchmark of 2 percent of gross domestic product, nearly doubling from 33 percent in September 2024. …

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2 weeks ago

US bolsters position as world’s top arms exporter

Live Mint

American defense companies have increased their dominance of the global arms trade, buoyed by European nations snapping up U.S. jet fighters and missiles. The Sipri data show how the U.S. arms industry has been the key beneficiary of rising European defense budgets in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and as President Trump pushes the region to increase military …

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2 weeks ago

NATO’s Rutte Urges Defense Contractors to Ramp Up, Welt Says

Live Mint

-- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that increased defense budgets by European governments were the first step in securing the continent and that contractors need to play their part by increasing output. “We also need to quickly ramp up our defense production,” Rutte said in an interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag. At an emergency meeting in Brussels …

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SIPRI report: European weaponry imports skyrocket 155% in 2020-24, Ukraine's arms imports reach record levels following conflict with Russia

Trending News

2 weeks ago

SIPRI report: European weaponry imports skyrocket 155% in 2020-24, Ukraine's arms imports reach record levels following conflict with Russia

Firstpost

According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, American corporations increased their share of worldwide weaponry exports from 35% in the 2015–2019 period to 43% in 2020–24, demonstrating the United States’ sustained dominance of the world stage Servicemen of the 44th Separate Mechanised Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine fire a Leopard 1A5 tank during a training, …

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2 weeks ago

Dutch gov't still counting on nuclear protection from United States

NL Times

The Netherlands still counts on nuclear protection from the United States, despite the deteriorating relationship between Donald Trump and Europe, Minister Caspar Veldkamp said on Nieuwsuur. He also said that the Netherlands has not yet approached France about possibly joining their nuclear power, but he expects that a discussion about this will happen “one way or another” soon. French president …

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2 weeks ago

Europe’s reliance on US weapons has risen, SIPRI says

Al Jazeera

But markets believe the continent is about to experience a boost in domestic production as Russia’s threat looms. Europe’s imports of weapons made by the United States have skyrocketed in the past five years, raising serious questions about whether the continent can achieve its vaunted goal of defence autonomy. Europe’s ability to build its own weapons will materially affect how …

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2 weeks, 1 day ago

EU Sees No Need to De-Risk Relations with US, Von der Leyen Says

Live Mint

-- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that even as “decades-old certainties are crumbling” in Europe’s relations with other countries, there’s no reason to de-risk the bloc’s relationship with the US. Von der Leyen said her commission will start to hold regular security meetings to review the various potential threats facing the bloc in areas like defense and …

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2 weeks, 3 days ago

Trump's America First policy pushing Europe to seek new independent identity

Firstpost

Trump’s America First policy forces Europe to rethink its defence strategy and move toward self-reliance Donald Trump’s return to his America First policy has once again created uncertainty about the transatlantic alliance. Europe’s financial and strategic response In response to Trump’s unpredictable stance, the EU has started taking steps to ease budget rules making it easier for countries to increase …

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2 weeks, 3 days ago

Can NATO survive without the United States?

CNN

Seoul, South Korea CNN — Europe is staring down the barrel of a stark new reality where the United States being the backbone of NATO – the alliance that has guaranteed the continent’s security for almost 80 years – is no longer a given. President Donald Trump’s public animosity towards Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky, his willingness to embrace Russia’s Vladimir Putin …

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Europe scrambles to rearm as Trump threatens security guarantees and Russian threat looms. Here’s what to know

CNN

CNN — European leaders have vowed to rearm the continent at historic emergency talks held after the United States threatened to rip up 80 years of security guarantees over the trajectory of Russia’s war in Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen called it a “watershed moment” for Europe and said detailed legal proposals will be studied ahead of …

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Europe scrambles to rearm as Trump threatens security guarantees and Russian threat looms. Here’s what to know

CNN

CNN — European leaders have vowed to rearm the continent at historic emergency talks held after the United States threatened to rip up 80 years of security guarantees over the trajectory of Russia’s war in Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen called it a “watershed moment” for Europe and said detailed legal proposals will be studied ahead of …

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2 weeks, 4 days ago

European Commission chief proposed €150 bn defence fund, now markets wait for EU war bonds

Firstpost

As European Union is planning to raise €150 billion to boost the continent’s defences, markets as well as defence contractors have started looking forward to the issuance of EU war bonds After European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to raise €150 billion to boost defences in the wake of unprecedented Russian aggression and US withdrawal from the …

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2 weeks, 4 days ago

Panicked EU leaders gather to drum up £700bn war chest as Macron says French nuclear umbrella can protect Europe after Trump halted Ukraine's military funding

Daily Mail

European Union leaders are planning on holding emergency talks on Thursday to figure out how to quickly increase their military budgets after Donald Trump's administration signalled that Europe must take care of its own security and also suspended assistance to Ukraine. Last night, French president Emmanuel Macron gravely said he is open to discussing how to extend the protection offered …

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EU leaders to back defence surge, support Zelenskiy after US aid freeze

Trending News

2 weeks, 4 days ago

EU leaders to back defence surge, support Zelenskiy after US aid freeze

Hindustan Times

* EU leaders to back defence surge, support Zelenskiy after US aid freeze Prime ministers and presidents gather in Brussels * Defence push driven by fears of Russia, worries about Trump * Ukrainian president expected to attend summit * Hungary threatens to block statement backing Kyiv By Lili Bayer and Andrew Gray BRUSSELS, - European leaders aim to endorse bold …

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2 weeks, 4 days ago

EU leaders back new defence spending plans

Al Jazeera

Talks held amid fears of waning US support for Ukraine after Trump pauses aid and suspends intel sharing with Kyiv. They also urged the European Commission to seek new ways “to facilitate significant defence spending at national level in all Member States”, a statement said. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said the defence spending plan was “a watershed …

Europe Military Ukraine Russia Trump Leaders Washington

2 weeks, 4 days ago

Macron says Russia a threat to Europe as EU leaders hold emergency summit

Al Jazeera

EU leaders gather for an emergency defence summit in Brussels as future partnership with US remains uncertain. French President Emmanuel Macron has said Russian aggression “knows no borders” and is a direct threat to Europe as European Union leaders prepare to hold emergency talks in Brussels in the wake of the Trump administration’s stance on transatlantic ties. Washington says Ukraine’s …

Europe France Brussels War Ukraine Russia Defence

2 weeks, 5 days ago

Europe needs to engage U.S., bring it closer to Ukraine, Czech minister says

Hindustan Times

PRAGUE, - Europe must engage the United States in security debates and help find a way to bring it closer to Ukraine after the halt of U.S. military aid to Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said on Tuesday. Europe needs to engage U.S., bring it closer to Ukraine, Czech minister says Europe also needs to focus on being ready …

Security Europe Ukraine Russia European Kyiv Czech

2 weeks, 5 days ago

As Trump roils stock markets, investors are betting big on Europe’s defence

Al Jazeera

European defence stocks are flying high as Trump’s pause on aid to Ukraine spurs calls for continent’s rearmament. With Trump’s outreach to Russia and his suspension of military aid to Ukraine raising doubt about US commitment to Europe’s security, European leaders are racing to ramp up defence spending. Despite rising by nearly one-third from 2021 to 2024, the European Union’s …

Europe Ukraine Russia Defence Spending European Nato

2 weeks, 6 days ago

Belgium pitches defence cooperation with India amidst Russia-Ukraine turmoil, saying Europe needs “strategic autonomy”

The Hindu

Europe needs to develop its own “strategic autonomy”, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot said on Tuesday, speaking about the United States’ decision to change its course on the Ukraine war. Addressing the media along with Mr. Prevot, Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken said that India and Belgium will sign an MoU on defence cooperation by the …

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‘Very big step’: India, Belgium aim to seal defence cooperation pact this year

Trending News

2 weeks, 6 days ago

‘Very big step’: India, Belgium aim to seal defence cooperation pact this year

Hindustan Times

NEW DELHI: India and Belgium are hoping to finalise a defence agreement within the year to bolster cooperation between their armed forces and to enhance defence industrial collaboration, Belgian defence minister Theo Francken said on Tuesday. Belgian defence minister Theo Francken and foreign minister Maxime Prévot were part of a Belgian delegation led by Princess Astrid that met Prime Minister …

Europe Ukraine Defence New Delhi Minister Modi Belgian

2 weeks, 6 days ago

EU ponders 800 billion euro plan to beef up defenses to counter possible US disengagement

Associated Press

BRUSSELS — The chief of the European Union’s executive on Tuesday proposed an 800 billion-euro plan to beef up the defenses of EU nations, aiming to lessen the impact of potential U.S. disengagement and provide Ukraine with military muscle to negotiate with Russia following the freeze of U.S. aid to the embattled nation. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen …

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2 weeks, 6 days ago

Is Trump pushing Europe to make China a ‘partner of choice’ over Russia-Ukraine war?

Firstpost

As diplomatic tensions rise and global alliances fracture, the US-Ukraine standoff, Trump’s unpredictable leadership and China’s strategic moves are reshaping the balance of power on the world stage Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky argues with US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House in Washington, on, February 28. China’s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, fired back, arguing …

Global India Europe China War Ukraine Russia

2 weeks, 6 days ago

Trump puts US allies on notice - power comes first

Raw Story

by Shaun TANDON With his flailing of Ukraine's leader, Donald Trump is making clearer than ever that he cares more about power than friends -- a chilling message for America's global network of allies. While Washington's championing of democracy has "rightly been accused of hypocrisy, now there's not even any pretense that the United States is upholding those values," said …

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2 weeks, 6 days ago

EU weighs $841bn ‘rearm’ Europe plan to counter possible US disengagement

Al Jazeera

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a five-part plan to mobilise some 800bn euros to beef up Europe’s defence and provide “immediate” military support to Ukraine after the United States suspended aid. “A new era is upon us,” the president said in a letter presenting the plan to 27 European Union leaders on Tuesday, two days before …

Europe Ukraine Defence Trump European Leyen Nato

2 weeks, 6 days ago

Europe considers a major defense spending package as Trump signals disengagement

NPR

Europe considers a major defense spending package as Trump signals disengagement toggle caption Virginia Mayo/AP BERLIN — The head of the European Union's executive branch proposed an $840 billion plan to quickly build up defense budgets in Europe, as President Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine and signals his administration could pull back from a long-standing U.S. commitment to protect …

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3 weeks ago

I was a British army captain – what Starmer is offering Ukraine is a multifaceted masterstroke

The Independent

Events in the Oval Office have made a European force an inevitability. The UK’s announcement of a £1.6bn contract going to Belfast for 5,000 lightweight multirole missiles promised by the UK yesterday, is also a multifaceted masterstroke: UK investment into Northern Ireland will create work with Thales – a French-owned defence manufacturer with a factory in Belfast. In many ways, …

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3 weeks ago

Can Europe stand alone against Russia? A comparative analysis of economy, military and nuclear power

India TV News

Can Europe stand alone against Russia? A comparative analysis of economy, military and nuclear power Europe, despite its economic and military strength, cannot stand alone against Russia due to its reliance on NATO and the US. While European NATO members are increasing defence budgets, the lack of a unified defence strategy and reliance on US military capabilities raise concerns about …

Europe France Military Ukraine Russia Defence Nuclear

3 weeks ago

European defense stocks hit record high after Trump and Zelensky’s disastrous meeting

CNN

London CNN — The stocks of European defense companies soared Monday as investors anticipate massive increases in military spending by governments in the region amid its growing rift with the United States. The STOXX Europe Total Market Aerospace & Defense index had surged almost 7.9% by early afternoon local time, which put it on course for its biggest one-day jump …

Europe Ukraine Russia Trump European Defense Spending

3 weeks, 1 day ago

‘We urgently have to rearm Europe’: EU chief after Ukraine talks

The Hindu

European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen warned on Sunday that "we urgently have to rearm Europe" as leaders from the continent met in London for crisis talks over Ukraine. Ms. von der Leyen said she would present a "comprehensive plan" at an EU summit on Thursday, adding that "we have to have a surge in defence" and "step up …

Europe Ukraine

3 weeks, 1 day ago

Necessity underpins the new India-EU bonhomie

Hindustan Times

The recently concluded visit of the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen — accompanied by 22 members of the 27-strong European Union College of Commissioners — to India was the first such visit to a non-European country since von der Leyen received the mandate afresh last year. A new partnership born out of crisis: India and the EU — …

India Europe World Indian European Von Der Leyen Partnership

3 weeks, 1 day ago

U.K.'s Starmer Says Europe Is At Crossroads In History As World Leaders Discuss Ending War In Ukraine

Huff Post

LOADING ERROR LOADING LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Sunday Europe was at a crossroads in history and must do the heavy lifting to defend itself as world leaders met in London to discuss ways of working together to stop Russia’s war in Ukraine. Starmer said he’s focused on being a bridge to restore peace talks, whose collapse …

Peace Europe London War Ukraine Russia Trump

3 weeks, 2 days ago

Trump’s Ukraine playbook: Less Churchill, more real estate mogul

Firstpost

Donald Trump’s direct engagement with Moscow and his clear reluctance to commit unconditional aid to Ukraine shatters the assumption that Washington will indefinitely underwrite Europe’s security US President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as US Vice President JD Vance reacts at the White House in Washington, DC, US, on February 28, 2025. France, historically advocating for European …

Security Europe China Military Ukraine Russia Trump

3 weeks, 2 days ago

Don’t be fooled by Trump and Starmer – the special relationship isn’t going to keep Europe safe

The Independent

Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to the White House appears to have gone as well as could have been expected. Trump’s US government has placed far more importance on resetting its relationship with Russia than working with European partners. While Starmer continues to invest in the relationship with the United States, hoping to provide a bridge between the US and Europe, …

France Ukraine Defence Trump Germany Starmer Macron

3 weeks, 2 days ago

‘India, EU on same page on knowledge, skills and capacity’: Virkunnen

Hindustan Times

The second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council on Friday identified six priority sectors for cooperation, including digitalisation, semiconductors and setting ICT standards, said Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission’s executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy. Virkkunen, who is tasked with combating security threats facing the EU and strengthening internal security, said in an exclusive interview …

India Security Ukraine Russia Work Cooperation Important

3 weeks, 2 days ago

Incoming German government’s focus on European sovereignty could impact its Indo-Pacific ambitions

The Hindu

The German national election concluded on 23 February with the conservative Christian Democrats and their partners Christian Social Union, together known as the Union, garnering 28.6% of the vote share. If Mr. Merz manages to cobble together a workable coalition, the relative greater stability in Germany, as compared to Olaf Scholz’s divided previous traffic-light coalition, may help strengthen relations with …

India China Russia Germany Election Indian Coalition

3 weeks, 3 days ago

India, EU to step up def cooperation, stress open Indo-Pacific with eye on China

Hindustan Times

NEW DELHI: India and the European Union on Friday agreed to work on a security and defence partnership to jointly counter common threats and, with an eye on China, focused on ways to ensure a free, open and peaceful Indo-Pacific built on international law and respect for sovereignty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen …

India International Law Europe Maritime Security China Ukraine Defence

3 weeks, 3 days ago

Independent readers have their say on the US, Nato, and Europe’s security dilemma

The Independent

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. His stance has sparked debate over whether Europe should …

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'Europe needs to be less dependent on China' says Netherlands' Defence Minister

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